Breaking Free
Trigger Warning: This story contains scenes of domestic violence, and physical and emotional abuse. The main character was in an abusive relationship with her ex-boyfriend, who hurt her both physically and mentally. The story also depicts the main character's struggle to escape from the abuse and find love and healing with another person. If you are sensitive to these topics, please read with caution. If you are experiencing domestic violence or need help, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit their website. You are not alone, and you deserve to be safe and happy.
Chapter 28
CHRIS
What the fuck had I done? Why didn't I listen to my lawyer and keep my damn mouth shut? Everyone was talking about me and I was in seventh heaven. But then undeniable proof was brought forth of what I did to Isabella, what I said to her. I reacted, jumping to my feet. Confessing to everything I was accused of and right in front of the jury.
The door of the jail cell slammed behind me. I felt a surge of panic and regret. How could I have been so stupid? So arrogant? So cruel? I had ruined my life and hers. I had no chance of getting out of here. No chance of redemption. No chance of forgiveness.
I slid down the cold, hard wall and sat on the stone floor. I wanted to take it all back. To undo what I had done. To erase what I had said. But then again, I didn't want to erase it all. Just the damn SD card.
What was I thinking when I recorded my sexual exploits? I'd forgotten about the damn camera when Isabella burst into her bedroom. Forgot about it as I beat her within an inch of her life. I thought I was smart. I thought I was invincible. I thought I could get away with anything. That the girls I dated were still within my control even if I kicked them to the curb. Three were not scare of me. How many more would come forth?
But I was wrong. So very wrong.
It was too late. I had sealed my fate. I had confessed to the crime. I had admitted to the abuse. I had exposed myself as a monster. There was nothing my lawyer could do, could say to save me.
And now I had to pay the price.
~~~ Breaking Free ~~~
My lawyer, Mr. Jones, stood on the other side of the bars, staring down at me. "Christopher," he said, causing me to look up at him. "There's nothing I can do to help you, now."
I pushed myself up from the floor, feeling the bruises and cuts on my body. I met his gaze with a defiant one. "I know," I said, my voice devoid of emotion. "What am I looking at?"
He sighed and looked away. "Ten years and a fine of $50k," he said. "But there is the proof of rape, too."
I felt a lump in my throat. I knew what that meant … life in prison. No parole, no mercy, no hope. I gripped the bars, my knuckles turning white. I spat out the words that had been burning in my mind. "You were supposed to get me off," I said.
He turned and started walking away, his footsteps echoing in the corridor. He threw one last remark over his shoulder. "And I might have been able to if you hadn't confessed in the courtroom."
BELLA
The jury was for a half hour. To me, it seemed like they hadn't needed to discuss the case.
The judge turned and looked at the jury with a stern expression. "Do you have a verdict?" he asked in a grave voice.
I watched as the jury foreperson stood up. She was a middle-aged woman with glasses and a blue suit. "Yes, your honor, we do." She handed the bailiff a folded paper, their verdict.
I gripped Edward's hand as the judge read it. He gave nothing away as he nodded, passing it back to the bailiff.
Once the jury foreperson had it, the judge asked the defendant to stand. Christopher and Mr. Jones stood. Christopher had his head hung, as if he knew his fate. He looked pale and sweaty, his eyes darting around nervously.
"Please read the verdict," the judge requested.
The jury foreperson cleared her throat and read aloud. "We the jury find Christopher Mordecai Frost on the account of assault and battery in the first degree, guilty. We the jury find Christopher Mordecai Frost on the account of attempt murder in the first degree, guilty. We the jury find Christopher Mordecai Frost on the rape in the first degree, guilty."
The courtroom fell into a stunned silence as the foreperson sat again. Christopher and his lawyer were still standing. Their attention on the judge once more.
The judge looked at Christopher with a cold glare. "Christopher Mordecai Frost, in accordance with the law of the State of Washington, I sentence you to life in prison with no hope of parole." The judge turned and addressed the jury. "The court thanks you for your service in this case. You are free from your civil duty."
I slumped against Edward as I felt a weight lift off my chest. Christopher was doomed to rot in a cell for the rest of his days.
Author's note: Yes, another came forward and testified prior to Bella. When Bella was called, the case was already in its fifth day. During that time, the rape charges were discussed. Bella was raped by Christopher, but she never sought medical help afterwards. However, the other girl had and there was evidence.
We are almost at the end. A chapter or two more.